U.S. patent number 5,371,971 [Application Number 08/057,266] was granted by the patent office on 1994-12-13 for sash balance brake and pivot pin assembly.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Ashland Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to James G. Prete.
United States Patent |
5,371,971 |
Prete |
December 13, 1994 |
Sash balance brake and pivot pin assembly
Abstract
A sash balance brake and pivot pin assembly for a sash window
which maintains the window substantially square prior to
installation is disclosed. The pivot pin extends outwardly from the
window sash. The sash balance brake is disposed within a track in
the window frame and includes a cam rotatably disposed within an
expandable housing. The pivot pin has a collar for lateral
engagement with the cam to prevent the window frame from bowing
away from the window sash, thereby maintaining the window frame
substantially square.
Inventors: |
Prete; James G. (Hinsdale,
IL) |
Assignee: |
Ashland Products, Inc.
(Chicago, IL)
|
Family
ID: |
22009539 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/057,266 |
Filed: |
May 4, 1993 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
49/380;
49/181 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05D
15/22 (20130101); E05Y 2900/148 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
E05D
15/22 (20060101); E05D 15/16 (20060101); E06B
003/32 () |
Field of
Search: |
;49/380,181,177,176,161
;16/197 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Cuomo; Peter M.
Assistant Examiner: Redman; Jerry
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Wallenstein, Wagner & Hattis,
Ltd.
Claims
I claim:
1. A sash balance brake assembly for a tiltable window structure
adapted to be mounted in a wall, said window structure including a
window and a frame, said frame having two spaced generally parallel
and opposing tracks extending in a first direction, said sash
balance brake assembly including a pair of brake units with one
brake unit being slidable in and along each of said tracks in said
first direction, said sash balance brake assembly further including
a pair of opposed, elongated pivot pins adapted to be attached to
said window in a position to extend outwardly from said window,
said pivot pins having a coupling portion extending in a second
direction generally perpendicular to said first direction, said
coupling portions each having an outer end configuration to be
operatively coupled in an interference fit to a respective one of
said sash balance brake units to facilitate anti-bowing and
reciprocal movement and locking of said window along said tracks;
said brake unit comprising a flexible housing and a drum cam, said
housing have a first opening therethrough, said first opening
extending in said second direction through said housing, said drum
cams each having a first end and a second end, said first end of
said cam being insertable in said first opening along a path of
travel generally in said second direction, said second end of said
cam having an outwardly projecting means for preventing said second
end from passing through said opening, said cam being rotatable in
said first opening coaxially with said pivot pin at least
90.degree.; said housing having a second or slot opening extending
in a said second direction and communicating with and allowing
access to said first opening from said first direction slot first
opening, said first opening being larger than said slot opening
whereby said cam cannot pass through said second opening; said cam
having a first cam slot therein extending in said second direction,
said first cam slot being of a configuration to receive from said
first direction through said housing slot opening said outer end of
said pivot pin therein in said interference fit whereby axial
rotational movement of said pivot pin will cause corresponding
axial rotational movement of said cam within said housing and
whereby relative movement between said pivot pin and said cam in
said second direction will be limited to maintain said frame
substantially square relative to said window prior to being mounted
in said wall and prevent bowing of said frame; said interference
fit between said pivot pin and said cam being provided by a collar
on each of said pivot pins received in a second slot in said cam,
said collar being located inwardly from the outer end of each of
said pivot pins and said collar extending radially outwardly from a
circumferential surface of each of said pivot pins; said outer ends
of said pivot pins each having a non-circular transverse cross
sectional configuration; said second slot means in said cam being
transversely disposed relative to and extending beyond the width of
said first slot means, said second slot receiving said collar and
said first slot receiving said outer end of said pivot pin, said
cam and said first opening being of a shape relative to each other
to not expand said housing when said cam is in a first position and
to expand said housing when said cam is in a second position
rotated about 90.degree. from said first position.
2. The sash balance brake assembly of claim 1 wherein said collar
has a width greater than the width of said slot opening in said
housing and said housing is flexible and tapered toward said slot
opening to allow said collar to be forced past said second opening
into said second slot in said cam.
3. The sash balance brake assembly of claim 1 wherein each of said
pivot pins are attached to said window by a bracket.
4. The sash balance brake assembly of claim 3 wherein each of said
brackets has a first leg and a second leg, said second leg disposed
substantially 90.degree. to said first leg whereby said first leg
is adapted for attachment to a bottom of said window sash and said
second leg is adapted for attachment to a side of said sash window
and said pivot pin extends outwardly from said second leg.
5. The sash balance brake assembly of claim 4 wherein each of said
pivot pins is integral with said second leg.
6. The sash balance and brake assembly of claim 3 wherein each of
said pivot pins is integral with said respective bracket.
7. The sash balance brake and pivot bracket assembly of claim 1
wherein said assembly is made of a plastic resin.
8. A combination sash balance brake and pivot bracket assembly
comprising:
a sash balance brake unit and a pivot pin means; said sash balance
brake unit including a brake and a cam mounted in an opening in
said brake, said cam being rotatable about an axis, said cam having
a first, axially extending slot therein, said first slot being
smaller in a first direction horizontally transverse to said axis
than in a second direction vertically transverse to said axis, said
pivot pin being substantially equal in dimension to said slot in
said first direction and larger than said slot in said second
direction whereby rotary movement of said pivot about said axis in
an arc from a first position to a second position causes said cam
to rotate in a corresponding arc between a first position and a
second position, said cam being configured relative to said opening
whereby said cam causes said brake to have a greater outer
dimension in said first direction when said cam is in said second
position than when said cam is in said first position,
said pivot pin having an integrally formed collar circumferentially
disposed and radially extending from the outer surface thereof,
said cam having a second slot extending in said first direction
transverse to the axis of and extending beyond the dimension of
said first slot, said pivot pin collar being vertically received in
said second slot whereby said collar cannot move axially relative
to said second slot.
9. The sash balance brake and pivot bracket assembly of claim 8
wherein said assembly is made of a plastic resin.
10. The assembly of claim 9 wherein said bracket is made of a 40%
long glass-filled plastic resin.
Description
DESCRIPTION
1. Technical Field
This invention relates to a pivotable sash window mounted in a
frame and, more particularly, to a sash balance brake and pivot pin
assembly which cooperates with the frame to prevent the frame from
bowing, such as during shipment and installation.
2. Background Prior Art
Pivotable sash window assemblies are well known in the art.
Typically, these assemblies include a rotatable brake assembly
actuated by rotation of a pivot pin when the sash of the window is
pivoted from its vertical position to a non-vertical position. The
brake assembly locks the sash balance relative to the window frame
when the sash is pivoted, thereby preventing the sash from
springing up.
Makarowski, U.S. Pat. No. 5,069,001, discloses a sash retaining
pivot assembly having a T-shaped bar projecting from the sash into
the window frame channel, where wings on the T-shaped bar engage
the inside of the window frame so that sash to frame alignment is
maintained. The T-shaped bar also acts as a pivotal axis about
which the sash is tilted and the sash retaining pivot assembly
provides integral locking of the window sash within the window
frame at the pivot location.
Erickson, U.S. Pat. No. 5,077,939, discloses a cam pivot having a
locking lug received between the walls of a channel-shaped slide
member of the locking terminal when the sash is tilted to its
vertical position. The locking lug prevents separation of the cam
pivot from its locking terminal during shipment.
Anderson, U.S. Pat. No. 3,643,377, discloses a tilting double hung
window structure wherein a single plastic guide member is inserted
in the frame at each side of the jambs and serves the multiple
purposes of providing required compression between the frame and
sash to maintain the sash in adjusted positions, guiding the sash
in vertical movement and weatherstripping between the sash and
frame. The patent also describes a two-part camming and locking
structure to permit tilting of the sash. The use of packing and
shipping clips to maintain the frame in a predetermined relation to
the sash are also described. The clips are inserted in a recess of
the frame jambs and placed in a surface to surface engagement with
the bottom of the sill of the upper sash. The clips are secured
into place by fastening means.
Anderson, U.S. Pat. No. 3,464,160, discloses a tilting double hung
window construction including a single plastic guide member at each
side of the window sash to provide compression between the sash and
frame and weatherstripping therebetween, as well as, guiding the
sash in a sliding motion relative to the frame. A camming locking
structure for securing the sash in a vertical position is also
disclosed.
Westphal, et al., U.S. Pat. No. DES 319,576, describes an
ornamental design for a pivot bar component of a tiltable window
sash.
While several of the patents above describe pivotable window sash
assemblies, none describe the combination sash balance brake and
pivot bracket assembly disclosed by Applicant. There remains a need
for a simple and reliable method to secure a tiltable window sash
in the vertical position to the frame to prevent the jambs of the
frame from bowing out and distorting from the sash, such as during
shipment and installation.
The present invention is provided to solve these and other
problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a sash balance brake
and pivot pin assembly for a sash window which maintains the window
substantially square prior to installation.
In accordance with the invention, the pivot pin extends outwardly
from the window sash. The sash balance brake is disposed within a
track in the window frame and includes a cam rotatably disposed
within an expandable housing. The pivot pin has a collar for
lateral engagement with the cam to prevent the window frame from
bowing away from the window sash, thereby maintaining the window
frame substantially square.
Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent
from the following specification taken in conjunction with the
following drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a double-hung window assembly
including combination sash balance brake and pivot bracket
assemblies;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the combination sash
balance brake and pivot bracket assembly as it would appear when
the window is pivoted 90.degree. to an open position and the
housing has been expanded to engage the balance brake;
FIG. 3 is a top view of the pivot bracket taken along lines 3--3 of
FIG. 2 showing the pivot bracket;
FIG. 4 is a side view of the pivot bracket of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a cross section taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 2 of the
combination sash balance brake with the pivot pin inserted within
the oval drum shaped drum and showing the cam turned 90 degrees so
that the pivot pin is in a locked position within the drum;
FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 except that the oval drum having
the pivot pin inserted therein is in a an unlocked position similar
to that shown in FIG. 2; and,
FIG. 7 is a top view of the sash balance brake having the oval drum
inserted therein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail, a preferred embodiment of the invention with
the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered
as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not
intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the
embodiment illustrated.
A conventional pivotable double hung sash window system, generally
designated 10, is disclosed in FIG. 1. As is well known, the window
system 10 is vertically mounted in a conventional fashion in a wall
or other similar structure. The window system 10 includes a lower
sash 12 and an upper sash 14, reciprocally mounted within a window
frame 16. The window frame 16 includes a header 18, a sill 20, a
left jamb 22, and a right jamb 24. The lower sash 12 and upper sash
14 each include a sash top header 26, two opposing sash stiles 28
and a sash base 30. In general, the form of the sashes 12, 14 and
jambs 22, 24 follow a conventional structure and form.
As is well known, the window system 10 includes a pair of sash
balances 32, 34 for each of the respective sashes 12, 14. The sash
balances 32, 34 provide an upward force to counter the weight of
the respective sashes 12, 14. Because the sashes 12, 14 are
pivotable, brake assemblies 36 are provided. A pair of opposing
pivot pins 40, one extending outwardly from each side of each of
the sashes 12, 14, engage each of the brake assemblies 36. Rotation
of the pivot pins 40 upon pivoting of the sashes 12, 14 locks the
brake assemblies 36, and hence disables the respective sash
balances 32, 34, when the respective sashes 12, 14 are pivoted away
from the vertical position.
As previously discussed, there has been a tendency for frame jambs
to bow outwardly before window systems have been placed in a wall.
In order to overcome this problem, the pivot pins 40 of the present
invention are laterally secured to their respective brake
assemblies 36, to prevent, or otherwise minimize, outward bowing of
the window frame.
Referring to FIGS. 2-7, a generally L-shaped pivot bracket 42 is
provided integral with the pivot pin 40. The pivot bracket 42 is
adapted for attachment to the lower corners of the window sashes
12, 14. The pivot bracket 42 has a first leg 44, having a first
recessed screw hole 46. The pivot bracket 42 also has a second leg
48, having a second recessed screw hole 50. Screws, not shown, are
conventionally disposed through the first screw hole 46 and second
screw hole 50, to secure the pivot bracket 42 to window sashes 12,
14. The pivot bracket 42 further has a registration pin 52 which
aligns with a corresponding alignment cavity (not shown) in sashes
12, 14. Sashes 12, 14 typically have a groove (not shown)
complementary to the shape of the bracket 42, so that the bracket
42 is flush mounted to the sashes 12, 14. The bracket 42 includes a
cut-out rectangular portion 54 to allow for any excess window weld
material, which occasionally results at the window corner. It is to
be understood that the pivot pin 40 of the invention could be
integral with the sashes 12, 14, rather than being secured thereto
by the bracket 42.
The sash balance brake assemblies 36 for conventional attachment to
the sash balances 32, 34, include a cam 56 having a generally
U-shaped cavity 58 of cross section similar to that of the pivot
pin 40. The cam 56 is disposed within an expandable housing 60. The
pivot pin 40 is received by the U-shaped cavity 58 of the cam 56,
such that rotation of the pivot pin 40 upon pivoting of the sashes
12, 14 rotates the cam 56, thereby expanding the expandable housing
60 to thereby lock the housing 60 in its place and in its
respective track. The cam 56 also has a solid circular covering 62
corresponding generally to the shape of a side housing opening 64,
which is also substantially circular as shown in FIG 5.
As is well known, the sash balance brake assemblies 36 are
laterally restrained within the track. In accordance with the
present invention, a collar 66 is circumferentially disposed about
the pivot pin 40. The collar 66 is placed in the U-shaped cavity
58, which laterally secures the pivot pin 40 relative to the cam
56. The covering 62 of the cam 56 includes a radially extending
member 68, which laterally engages a recess 70 along the outer
surface of the expandable housing 60. The member 68 extends the
full circumference of the cam 56, though it could extend a lesser
length. The member 68 prevents the cam 56 from moving inward
relative to the housing 60. Thus, when the collar 66 of the pivot
pin 40 is placed in the U-shaped cavity 58 of the cam 56 as shown
in FIG 7, the pivot pin 40 is prevented from moving inwardly
relative to the expandable housing 60. Hence, because the pivot pin
40 is attached to the sashes 12, 14 and because the window frame 16
is attached to the track retaining the housing 60, the window frame
16 is prevented from moving outwardly relative to the sashes 12,
14, thus acting as an anti-bow means for preventing the window
frame 16 from laterally bowing prior to being mounted.
The pivot bracket 42 can be made from wood or metal, but is
preferably molded from a plastic resin and more preferably from a
40% long glass-filled resin such as Isoplast by Dow Corning, for
strength and durability. The collar 66 can be square, oval, or such
other configurations as would be retained by the cam 56, but is
preferably circular as shown.
When sashes 12, 14 are tilted about 90 degrees, the sashes 12, 14
can easily be removed from the sash balance brake assemblies 36
because the opening to the U-shaped cavity 58 is aligned with the
upper housing opening 72 of the expandable housing 60, as shown in
FIGS. 2 and 6. However, when the sashes 12, 14 are pivotally in any
other position, the collar 66 is retained in the cam 56, so that
the sashes 12, 14 cannot be removed.
It will be understood that the invention may be embodied in other
specific forms without departure from the spirit or central
characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments,
therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and
not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the
details given herein.
* * * * *